About The Speaker
Simon McDonald
Vice President and General Manager, APJ, Optimizely
Simon McDonald is the Vice President and General Manager for Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) at Optimizely, a leading digital experience platform company. With over two decades of experience in the software industry, Simon has held senior leadership roles at companies such as Partnerize, GoodData, and Experian Asia Pacific, focusing on business intelligence, analytics, and multichannel marketing. Since joining Optimizely six years ago, Simon has been instrumental in expanding its presence in the APJ region, growing its customer base to over 220 and establishing a network of more than 50 partners. He is also a mentor at LaunchPad Academy, supporting aspiring SaaS sales professionals in transitioning into the industry. Simon is known for his commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture. He emphasises the importance of curiosity, humility, and continuous learning, aligning with Optimizely's core values. His leadership style is characterised by trust in his team and a focus on leading by example. Originally from Scotland, Simon relocated to Australia two decades ago. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys the outdoor lifestyle, spending time at the beach, and is an avid Liverpool FC supporter.